There has been a continuous countywide growth in the Spanish-speaking school population. By September 1969, the total number was 46,552, i.e. 30,140 Cuban refugee pupils, and 16,412 from countries in South and Central America, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. From 10.5 percent of total school membership in 1965, the number reported by the schools increased to 13.5 percent in 1967 and 19.1 percent in 1969. An analysis of Attendance Department records reveals that much of the increase in the Spanish-speaking segment of the school population has been the result of improved reporting by the schools from year to year and the use of a more specific definition of "Spanish-speaking" pupils in the 1969 survey. Nevertheless, there has been considerable growth. Special instructional programs have grown in response to their unique educational needs. Almost 20 percent are participating in classes in English as a second language; almost one-third are participating in a program designed to maintain or develop the language skills in their native language. This year some 90 schools are offering one or both of these programs. (Author/JM)